No. 105076429

Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei Terracotta Figure - 18.7 cm
No. 105076429

Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei Terracotta Figure - 18.7 cm
Northern Wei Polychrome Court Lady – 4th to 6th Century AD
A finely modelled Northern Wei court lady in terracotta, dating to the 4th–6th century AD, depicted standing in a graceful and dignified pose with her hands respectfully clasped before her chest. She wears the elegant long robes characteristic of the Northern Wei court, with wide sleeves flowing naturally to the ground. Her serene facial expression and carefully arranged hairstyle reflect the refined artistic ideals that emerged as Buddhist influence flourished across Northern China. A remarkable amount of the original polychrome decoration survives, with extensive white pigmentation preserved across the face and robes, complemented by rich reddish-orange pigments on the outer garment, offering an exceptional glimpse into the vibrant appearance these figures originally possessed. The head has been professionally reattached to the body, while the sculpture otherwise remains a highly attractive and well-preserved example of early Chinese funerary art.
Material: Terracotta with original polychromy
Measurements: 18.7 × 5.8 × 4.2 cm
Weight: 242.4 g
Provenance: Acquired in France. Former French private collection assembled during the 1970s.
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Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
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